Full Breakdown
Colorado Cemetery Orders Removal of Controversial Headstone
2/14/2026, 4:42:53 AM
Background on the Dispute
Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs has mandated the removal of a headstone that features images of upraised middle fingers, deemed "inappropriate" under the cemetery's rules. The headstone marks the graves of brothers Timothy and Ryan Geschke and has been in place for five years. The cemetery's regulations prohibit any engravings that could be considered profane or offensive to the general public.
The Family's Perspective
Sisters Heidi and Holly Geschke, who are responsible for the headstone, assert that the images represent a symbol of love and familial loyalty. Holly Geschke emphasized that the design reflects their family's character and was created with respect for their deceased brothers. She expressed frustration over the cemetery's decision, stating, “This was created with so much love and respect and loyalty to our brothers.” The sisters have indicated that they do not plan to comply with the removal order, stating, “They're in a resting place and now here we are being asked to disturb their resting place.”
Cemetery Management's Position
Cheryl Godbout, the cemetery manager, explained that once she became aware of the headstone's design, she felt compelled to act in accordance with the cemetery's rules. She stated, “It would not have been right of me to know about it, knowing it violates our rules and to ignore our rules.” Godbout did not disclose how many complaints had been received regarding the headstone, asserting that the number was "irrelevant" to her decision-making process.
Family's Response and Future Actions
The Geschke sisters have expressed their determination to contest the removal order. Holly Geschke stated, “Whether this ends in our favor or not we're not backing down on this. We're making noise for the boys.” They have also suggested that if necessary, they might consider relocating their brothers' remains to another cemetery rather than comply with the removal.
Official Statements & Responses
The cemetery's management maintains that the headstone's design violates established guidelines, which prohibit any profane or offensive imagery. The Geschke family, however, argues that the images do not meet this threshold and are a meaningful tribute to their brothers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the cemetery insists on the removal based on its rules, the Geschke family contends that they were not informed of any violations when the headstone was erected. This discrepancy raises questions about the enforcement of cemetery policies and the communication of rules to families at the time of headstone installation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was created with so much love and respect and loyalty to our brothers,” — Holly Geschke, Sister of the Deceased
- “It would not have been right of me to know about it, knowing it violates our rules and to ignore our rules.” — Cheryl Godbout, Cemetery Manager
- “They're in a resting place and now here we are being asked to disturb their resting place,” — Holly Geschke, Sister of the Deceased
The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between personal expression in memorialization and adherence to institutional regulations, raising broader questions about the nature of grief and remembrance in public spaces.
